Diversity Council Australia offers employers the chance to be recognised for their commitment to workplace inclusion.
Diversity Council Australia (DCA) invites organisations to submit an expression of interest for the 2025-2026 Inclusive Employer Index until 1 September.
Run in partnership with Diversity Atlas, the Inclusive Employer Index is Australia’s only inclusion index run by an independent NFP peak body that enables organisations to measure, benchmark and report on workplace inclusion across nine diversity dimensions.
The index provides participants with a ready-to-use, comprehensive and anonymous survey designed to collect valuable workforce data. The survey eliminates the need for employers to design their own, prioritises privacy and data safety and helps them meet WGEA certifications, including questions aligned with its Employer of Choice for Gender Equality and Employer Committed to Gender Equality requirements.
Employers who exceed the national benchmarks will earn the DCA 2025-2026 Inclusive Employer title, a mark of excellence publicly promoted by DCA. Recognised organisations can proudly showcase the Inclusive Employer logo, demonstrating their commitment to inclusion toward employees, partners and the wider community.
“Building an inclusive workplace is not just a nice-to-have – it’s key to attracting and retaining talent and is strongly linked to business success,” said DCA CEO Catherine Hunter. “The Inclusive Employer Index is a powerful diagnostic tool that helps organisations understand their strengths, pinpoint areas for improvement and track progress over time. It’s a chance to demonstrate leadership and a genuine commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued and respected.”
What’s in it for organisations?
- Insights into employees’ real experiences of inclusion and exclusion
- Access to an interactive dashboard to explore and benchmark workforce data
- Comprehensive benchmarking against national data, DCA members and specific industry (where available)
- Support resources, including webinars, communication templates and resources
- D&I-related reporting and strategic planning
In 2024–2025, DCA recognised over 60 organisations from various sectors, ranging from health and wellness, retail and transport to major media organisations, law firms and charities.
“This achievement reflects the heart of our culture—one that values and celebrates diversity in all its forms,” said Helping Hand CEO Chris Stewart, one of the 2024-25 Inclusive Employers. “Recently, over 600 of our team members shared their experiences through the DCA survey, and the results highlight just how diverse we truly are. Our team represents 64 cultural backgrounds, speaks 60 different languages and comes from 46 countries. This diversity is not only something we celebrate, but it strengthens us, enabling us to provide care that’s culturally sensitive and services that are respectful and inclusive.”
With inclusion proven to be key to performance, innovation, wellbeing and talent retention, DCA guarantees that participation in the Inclusive Employer Index is a strategic investment, not just a signal of good intentions.
“Achieving Inclusive Employer status in 2024-25 highlights the positive steps we’ve already taken and reinforces our ongoing commitment to building and nurturing a culture of inclusion, diversity and belonging at Container Exchange,” noted Container Exchange (QLD) Limited CEO Natalie Roach.
To participate in the 2025–2026 Inclusive Employer Index, register your interest here.
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Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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